Friday afternoon turned into a heartbreaking day for western New York as a tour bus carrying more than 50 passengers overturned on the New York State Thruway near Pembroke. According to state police, the crash k*lled five people and left dozens injured. The bus, en route from Niagara Falls to New York City, lost control just before the Pembroke exit. Witnesses reported the bus swerved into the median, overcorrected, and rolled into a ditch on the right side of the highway.

The force of the crash was so severe that windows shattered, and several passengers were ejected from the vehicle. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, working with ambulances, fire units, and medical helicopters in one of the largest coordinated rescue efforts in recent memory.

The Scope of the Casualties
The bus carried 54 passengers, ranging in age from 1 to 74. Many were international tourists from India, China, and the Philippines. Language barriers complicated the response, but translators were quickly brought in to ensure victims received appropriate care.

By mid-afternoon, Erie County Medical Center confirmed eight patients had been admitted. Kaleida Health, which operates multiple hospitals in the Buffalo area, reported receiving 20 patients across three facilities. Buffalo General admitted four patients, all in good condition. Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital treated 13 people, including two children, while Oishei Children’s Hospital cared for three pediatric patients, one of whom was in serious condition. The University of Rochester Medical Center also received six crash victims, two of them in critical condition.

Despite the overwhelming number of patients, hospitals praised emergency teams for their swift coordination, noting that regular mass-casualty training prepared staff for such a crisis.

Video: State Police: 5 people confirmed d*ad following Thruway bus crash

Governor Hochul and Red Cross Step In
Governor Kathy Hochul issued a statement acknowledging the tragedy and confirmed that her office was working with law enforcement and local leaders to support victims and families. Meanwhile, the Red Cross established a Family Assistance Center at the Amherst Senior Center in Buffalo to provide counseling and critical resources.

Authorities urged the public to call 716-626-3050 for information about loved ones and encouraged witnesses with dashcam footage to contact the Batavia State Police office.

Investigating the Cause
Trooper James O’Callahan of the New York State Police confirmed that the driver of the bus survived. Initial findings ruled out impairment and mechanical failure, leaving unanswered questions about what caused the sudden loss of control. Investigators are continuing to piece together the events that led to the crash, which shut down a major stretch of I-90 for hours and caused significant traffic delays.

A Second Tragedy in Genesee County

The Pembroke disaster was not the only deadly accident that day. Earlier, in the Town of LeRoy, a separate collision claimed the lives of two young Florida residents. Authorities reported that 20-year-old Brianna R. Welsh of Apopka was driving a Nissan sedan when she failed to stop at a sign and collided with a Ford dump truck hauling a trailer. Both Welsh and her passenger, 20-year-old Mallen A. Mello, were pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the truck, 36-year-old Timothy E. Briggs of Piffard, was not injured. Local fire departments, police, and the Genesee County Coroner’s Office assisted at the site as investigations continued.

A Day of Mourning for Western New York
The twin tragedies in Pembroke and LeRoy left communities across Genesee County and beyond in shock. Families are grieving, hospitals remain on high alert, and investigators are under pressure to provide answers. While authorities ruled out impairment in the bus crash, the unanswered question remains: why did the bus suddenly lose control?

The LeRoy accident, on the other hand, underscores the devastating consequences of ignoring traffic laws. In a matter of moments, lives were cut short, leaving families with unbearable loss.

The Bigger Picture: Road Safety Under the Spotlight

Video: Multiple k*lled, dozens injured in tour bus crash in New York

These two crashes highlight the fragility of life on the road and the importance of vigilance behind the wheel. For those traveling long distances on highways or navigating local intersections, the message is clear: every second matters, and every choice counts.

Officials continue to urge drivers to remain cautious, avoid distractions, and prioritize safety above all else. The tragedies in Genesee County are painful reminders that road safety is not just an individual responsibility but a shared one.

Conclusion: A Community United in Grief
The events of August 23, 2025, will be remembered as one of the darkest days for western New York. From the horrific bus crash in Pembroke to the fatal collision in LeRoy, lives were lost, families were shattered, and entire communities left mourning.

Yet amid the sorrow, the resilience of first responders, hospital staff, and volunteers offered a glimmer of hope. Their rapid action saved lives and showed the strength of community in the face of tragedy. As investigations continue, one truth stands out: the legacy of those lost must be honored with renewed commitment to safety, compassion, and care for every life on the road.